Newsletter

BAND NEWSLETTER - MAY, JUNE

I. SPRING CALENDAR (Spring Concert, Graduation, Awards Assemblies)

II. CONGRATULATIONS – GMHS BLUE RIBBON AWARD!!

III. BAND LETTERS (Spreadsheet and List Attached)

V. THANK YOU TO THE FLORIDA CHAPERONES, JAZZ ENSEMBLES, CHAMBER ENSEMBLES, SENIORS

CALENDAR:

Thurs. & Fri, May 13 and 14 JV SHOW WITH JAZZ AND DRUMS! 7:30 PM

SPRING BAND CONCERT REQUIRED REHEARSALS

Wednesday, May 26th REQUIRED CONCERT BAND REHEARSAL

2:30 - 4:00 PM (DRESS REHEARSAL)

Thursday, May 27th REQUIRED SYMPHONIC BAND REHEARSAL

3:15 - 4:30 PM (DRESS REHEARSAL FOR CONCERT)

Tuesday, June 1st REQUIRED CONCERT BAND REHEARSAL

3:15 – 4:30 PM (DRESS REHEARSAL)

Wednesday, June 2nd REQUIRED SYMPHONIC BAND REHEARSAL

3:15 – 4:30 PM (DRESS REHEARSAL)

Wednesday, June 2nd JAZZ ENSEMBLE PERFORMS FOR AWARDS ASSEMBLIES

• 12:20 pm for 8th and 9th grade

• 7:00 pm for 10th – 12th grade

SPRING BAND CONCERT IS ON JUNE 3RD!

The Spring Band Concert promises to be very special as the GMHS Jazz Ensemble performs with PTSA Grant sponsored Erica Ovette, singing the great jazz standards. The concert will also include the concert band, jazz ensemble and DRUMS class. Please see rehearsal times above. We also be saying "good-bye" to some very special people, the GMHS Seniors. We will need parent volunteers to help with uniforms at 6:15 pm on that night and also after the concert. Please email me if you can help with tuxes and gowns.

STUDENT SCHEDULE: Arrive no later than 6:30 pm

• 6:15 – 6:30 pm Change into tuxes and gowns. Bring your tux shirts/socks/shoes

• 6:30 pm CONCERT BAND WARM UP ONSTAGE

• 6:45 pm SYMPHONIC BAND WARM UP IN BANDROOM

• 7:00 pm PERCUSSION/DRUMS ONSTAGE

• 7:15 pm Seated in AUDITORIUM

• 7:30 pm CONCERT BEGINS (Percussion – Jazz – Concert – Symphonic)

• YOU NEED TO STAY FOR THE ENTIRE CONCERT

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION (SYMPHONIC BAND

High school graduation will once again take place at Constitution Hall on Thursday, June 17th. Students will depart at approximately 2:30 pm to perform for HS Graduation. Students will be served pizza and soda in the bandroom at 1:30 pm and then will change into uniform before departing. Parents are invited to chaperone or come with us on the bus. The ceremony begins at 5 pm. Return time is dependent on the ceremony. 8:30 pm is the approximate time they will return. Upon return, students will need to check in their dresses and tuxedos which will be dry cleaned and returned for use next year. If any parents are available to help check in dresses and tuxedos after the graduation, it would be appreciated.

Schedule:

1:30 - 2:30 pm Pizza, soda and change into uniforms

2:30 Board bus for Constitution Hall (chaperones and permission slips needed)

5:00 Graduation Ceremony begins

8:30 Approximate time students will return on the bus

(If you are going to graduation and bringing home your son/daughter please indicate this on the permission form! We will need parent volunteers to help with uniforms after graduation on June 17th to get all the gowns and tuxes put away and inventoried. Please email me if you can help with tuxes and gowns. THANK YOU!!!)

FINAL EXAM FOR SYMPHONIC BAND ONLY The 4th Block Symphonic Band Final Exam on Friday, June 18th is cancelled for those students who turn in their uniforms, music and have passed their final playing tests and have performed for high school graduation! Therefore for symphonic band members hs graduation is the last official business until you are free for a long and happy summer.

GMHS SYMPHONIC BAND FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE ON YOUTUBE!! CHECK OUT BAND FESTIVAL LINK BELOW! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34RNePcZiPg

CONGRATULATIONS TO GMHS MUSIC DEPARTMENT!!!!

GMHS Music Department Earns BLUE RIBBON AWARD!

Congratulations to the George Mason High School Music Department on receiving The Blue Ribbon Award from the Virginia Music Educators Association. The purpose of the award is to recognize schools throughout the Commonwealth who have superior performing ensembles. Superior performances as evidenced by district assessment rating from each of their performing ensembles. This year the chorus, concert, percussion and symphonic bands all received straight superior ratings from four judges at competition. The Blue Ribbon Award signifies the attainment and implementation of the highest ideals of music education.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE GMHS Jazz Ensemble which performed for the Falls Church Education Foundation Black Tie Fundraiser on Friday, April 23rd at the Westin in Arlington. Ms Englander writes in her thank you note, “Once again your performance was the highlight of the Foundation dinner! You all play beautifully together and no one seems to believe you are a high school group. …. You are all the BEST!”

CONGRATS TO THE Flute and Clarinet Quartets for their wonderful performance at the Falls Church Chamber Event at the Apple Credit Union on Tuesday, April 27th!

CONGRATULATIONS TO the Solo and Ensemble participants: Lauren Bowling, Phobe Galt, Annamarie Cooper, Maddie McAliister, Gemma Seidita, Lia Cattaneo, Anuraag Sensharma, Chas Bowling. Sally Lewis, Wendy Herbst, Hannah Shenouda, Nathan Frost, Liam O'Connell, Michael Addo-Ashong, Maria Sugastti, Emma Hannan and John Marshall!

CONGRATS TO A SUCCESSFUL DISNEY TRIP AND THANK YOU TO OUR CHAPERONES!

Thank you to the 157 wonderful chaperones and band students who made the trip to Disney World in Florida on March 10 – 14th. The students had a terrific time enjoying the sights and sounds of Disney as well as performing for a highly competitive FESITVAL DISNEY. Trophies to be displaced in the front showcase shortly!

Thanks again to the chaperones who allowed this trip to flow so smoothly!!! They made the ultimate sacrifice!!! They slept on the bus overnight! No small endeavor! THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU !! You are our heroes!!!

Bowling, Charles

DeLew, Nancy

Devlin, Tom

Divecha, Ann

Earman, Sue

Ensign, Lisa

Forbes, Deborah

Nanartowich, Pat

O'Rourke, Lorraine

Rizzi, Liz

Rollo, Teresa

Wagener, Joy

BAND LETTERS

BAND LETTER AWARDS – TO BE HANDED OUT AT THE SPRING CONCERT ON JUNE 3rd! SEE ATTACHMENT FOR YOUR EXACT TALLIES!

Students who earned a letter in band received points by participating in outside of school events such as football games, district and state band auditions and performance, jazz ensemble performances, honor bands such as George Mason University and VCU, orchestra for the musical, our trip to New York City, NY, or flute, clarinet and brass quartet performances for the DAR, AAUW, Falls Church News Press, FCEF and many other events! Please see your band handbook for more detailed information.Attached is the spreadsheet that I have used this year to keep track of student band letters. If there are any discrepancies, now is the time for students to let me know so I can make any changes.

I have added in points for the JV Show and the final rehearsals. If you are not going to be able to attend those, please let me know so I can take the points off otherwise this is what I currently have for band letters. Again, please see me regarding discrepancies. I will pass this around in band as well!

Band Letters as of May 3, 2010

First Year Band Letter (11)

Michael Addo-Ashong, Camille Alsobrook, Wynton Cobb, Preston Custer, Austin Gogal, Carrie Gudenkauf, Emma Hannan, Stevie Lethbridge, Johanna Roche, Jack Ulses, Tyler Waters

Second Year Band Letter (26)

Matt Abel, Alyson Aguerreberre, Richard Almanza, Hannah Beaman, Lauren Bowling, Sam Cashin, Stephen Cotner, Rachel Croxton, Sarah Devlin, Nick Dorr, Alyssa Forbes, Phoebe Galt, Nathan Frost, James Jang, Leah Kaufman, Jessica Kemp, Nina Kravinsky, Liam O'Connell, Honora Overby, Duke Shin, Jade Taylor, Kan Tagami, Ben Tourkin, Emma Washa, Julia Western, Susanna Whittle, Kevin Schmidt

Three Year Band Letter (16)

Karl Campanella-Dysart, Lia Cattaneo, Christine Demeter, Devin Divecha, Christopher Earman, Alec Faulkner, Michael Irvine, Abby Johansen, Sally Lewis, Virginia Rice, Boon Sakprayoonpong, Hannah Shenoudah, Luke Waters, Maria Sugasti, Amanda Zavala, Clark Williamson, Eric Gemond

 

Four Year Band Letter (19)

Matthew Baker, Miles Butler, Chas Bowling, Erik Carlson, Will Doty, Daniel Drawbaugh, Marc Forbes, Annie Geren, Jakob Hand, Llewelyn Howell, Veronica O'Rourke, Elsie Poon, Jay Rodock, Patrick Rollo, Harris Schaeffer, Anuraag Sensharma, Gemma Seidita, Taylor Crawford, Dane Warner

 

Five Year Band Letter (12)

Johanna Ballou, Annamarie Cooper, Adrian Forster, James Garrett, Patrick Lee, Alex Maher, Jenny Lewis, Tim Goetz, Wendy Herbst, Jack Western, Madalene McAllister, Adeyianka Bowman - Johnson, Samuel Jackson

 

THANK YOU TO THE AMAZING SENIOR CLASS OF 2010! WE WILL MISS YOU!!!!

Andrew Arias, Johanna Ballou, Adeyianka Bowman-Johnson, Miles Butler, Annamarie Cooper, Adrian Forster, James Garrett, Eric Gemond, Tim Goetz, Wendy Herbst, Samuel Jackson, Ark Lee, Patrick Lee, Jenny Lewis, Alex Maher, Maddy McAllister, Bennett Pribulka, Ben Stewart, Jack Western

 

SUMMER MUSIC CAMPS

Summer music camps are rewarding and allow students the opportunity to play over the summer while meeting new friends. There are several camps students have attended from the GMHS Band that students have mentioned have been beneficial and fun. The camps that I am aware of that students have enjoyed are:

Shenandoah Music Camp:

University of North Carolina Greensboro Summer Music Camp, Greensboro, NC, 800-999-2869, www.smcamp.org Largest university-sponsored music camp; residential program for band, orchestra, mixed chorus, and piano. Grades 6-12 (bands and orchestras divided by age) 3 bands, 2 orchestras, sectionals, private lessons, staff recitals; also, recreation, movies, party, swimming, tennis.

Shenandoah Performing Arts Camp, Shenandoah University, Winchester, VA, 540-545-7210, http://www.su.edu/conservatory/ Pre-camp auditions required only for scholarships; placement auditions held after check-in. Residential Grades 6-12 (depending upon Division). Symphony orchestra, string orchestra, wind ensemble, concert band, harp ensemble, chamber music, jazz camp (1st week only). Private lessons, ensembles, Delcroze Eurhythmics, recitals, and concerts. Two week camp at Shenandoah University in Winchester. More information at http://www.su.edu/conservatory/ and click on Performing Arts Camp. This is a two week camp at Shenandaoh University in Winchester, VA.

THANKS!!! MJW

Trip Information

FLORIDA “DISNEY HERE WE COME” TRIP – Itinerary, Parent Letter
I am delighted to offer your son or daughter the opportunity to attend the Disney Festival in Orlando, Florida 32821 this year from March 10th – 14th.   In terms of educational benefits, the George Mason High School music ensembles will be performing for Festival Disney at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  This is a positive and educationally meaningful festival experience.  Each ensemble will perform for a select panel of adjudicators who will provide written and recorded feedback. Festival Disney features nationally recognized music educators/adjudicators who will also present a personalized clinic. During the clinic, the ensemble will have the opportunity to receive immediate feedback on their performance and gain valuable insight on ways to take their musical performance to the next level. The groups will also attend an awards ceremony which will include Disney entertainment.

The price of the trip is $600.00.  The students have the opportunity to fundraise any portion of their trip.  The attached flyer includes fundraising details.  At present we are hosting a poinsettia/wreath fundraiser and selling tickets for Applebee's Pancake Breakfasts.  Please see the attached fundraising flyer.  The deposit of $200 is due by Monday, October 26th.  A parent night for all interested parents will be held on Tuesday, October 13th at 7:00 pm in the bandroom.  Deposits will also be accepted at this time.  Please keep in mind that all deposits are non-refundable.  All parents interested in chaperoning, we are thrilled to have you on our trip.  Please send in a deposit with your name in the memo line.  TENATIVE ITINERARY ATTACHED ABOVE.

The trip includes admission to Four Disney Parks plus meals and all performance events:
*        Three nights lodging at Buena Vista Suites
8203 World Center Drive, Orlando, FL   32821  (407) 239 - 8588
*        Security Guards each evening From 11:00 PM – 6:00 AM
*        Three Full American Buffet Breakfasts at the Hotel
*        One Dinner at PLANET HOLLYWOOD
*        Three (3)  Meal coupons for use at the WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT
*        Admission to MAGIC KINGDOM, EPCOT, DISNEY HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS, DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM, DISNEY’S BLIZZARD BEACH WATER PARK, DISNEY’S TYPHOON LAGOON WATER PARK, DISNEY’S WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS COMPLEX
*        Adjudication of Performing Group and Performance Facility
*        Awards Ceremony in the Park including entertainment and awards
*        Deluxe Motorcoach for all five days

Handbook

Click to view handbook

Calendar

List of Events

Fundraisers

Listed below are the dates and times for the fund raising activities for the Florida trip.  The fund raising activities are open for any student in band and chorus that will be going on the trip.  All music students have an individual account and as they raise money, the profits from all fundraisers are subtracted from the balance of their trip.  There will be sign up sheets for these activities on the band/chorus room blackboard.   Students are welcome to sign up for any or all of the fundraisers listed below:

November 14:   SELL TICKETS OCTOBER 16th!!!
APPLEBEE'S FLAPJACK FUNDRAISER BREAKFAST 8:00-10:00 am  (Sell tickets and/or work as wait staff.) All students can sell tickets to this fundraiser breakfast for $10.00 each.  ($9.00 profit from each ticket sold will be added to each student's account and $1 will be divided among the wait staff.) The breakfast includes 2 sausages, 2 pancakes, and a drink.  Applebee’s employees will prepare and make the food. The students are needed to sign up to serve the food and drinks and clean up.

PROCEDURES FOR SELLING TICKETS:
1.         Request tickets from Ms Glass or Ms Webster.   Tickets received will be    numbered and you will be responsible for either bringing in $10.00 for the ticket or returning the ticket.
2.         Collect $10.00 for each ticket.   Give the ticket to the buyer and bring the money in an envelope with your name on it, marked PANCAKE BREAKFAST to Ms.            Glass and Ms. Webster.    ALL TICKETS MUST BE TURNED BACK IN OR MONEY COLLECTED BY FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6th

Wreath and Poinsettia Sale SELL POINSETTIAS NOW!!!!!  Turn in your FORMS NOW!!!  (Sales due on October 30th)    Poinsettia/ Wreath Fundraiser Flyer
Students are now selling poinsettias and holiday wreaths as a way to earn money for their band trips this year.  Please take orders from your customers and enter them on the order forms attached.  A form has already been sent home with your student.  Poinsettias are available in a variety of colors and sizes, as are wreaths and other items.   The greenery and poinsettias have been beautiful in past years.  These poinsettias and wreaths will be from Behnke Nurseries.  TURN IN FORMS, MONEY to Ms Webster anytime BEFORE  October 30th.  DELIVERY DATE IS Monday, NOVEMBER 30th in the TLC.  Everyone needs to pick up their poinsettias and wreaths.

MUSIC DAYS  (Many Useful Students In (our) Community) Information to request a student worker
Students will go to homes or places of business to baby-sit, do yard work, odd jobs, or anything within reason within the community.  There is no set fee but everyone involved is aware that we encourage fair pay for good labor.  Last year, the students involved with this project raised a large sum of money to contribute to their cost of the trip.   Many of them easily raised the entire amount and were paid very well for their work.  Students have filled out sign up sheets. Saturdays, Nov 7, 14, 21, 28 and December 5 are "MUSIC" WORK DAYS.  Sign up on the attached fundraising sheet to work NOW.

PLEASE PLEASE SUPPORT THIS FUNDRAISER.  IF YOU HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR A STUDENT TO WORK AND EARN MONEY FOR THEIR TRIP, please contact Margaret Drawbaugh at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it <mailto: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it > or call 703-861-8444. 

Additional fundraising opportunities will be added to this list.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the fund raising activities, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it <mailto: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it >.

If you have not signed up yet, here is the form

Volunteers

Pre and post concert band room chaperone: Help the band members with
uniforms and organize the band room after each concert.

Tuxedo and Gown Organizers: Assign and organize student tuxedos and
gowns on the days of a concert and/or at a time of your choice. Help hem dresses.

Band After Concert Celebrations: Help assist with drinks and food the day
after a concert in band class.

Chaperones, Spring Trip: Escort the students on the spring trip. There is a
small fee for chaperones.

Chaperones, Band Festival: Escort the students to their performance at District
Band Festival.

Spring Trip Form Coordinator: Checks a list of students who have returned
spring trip forms and calls parents of students who have not turned in forms.

Band Boosters

The Falls Church Public Schools Band Boosters Association recognizing that arts in general and music in particular are a vital part of an effective academic program, is established for the following purposes: a) To actively assist, encourage and support the band program in the Falls Church City Schools; b) To urge and provide support for a strong music program in the Falls Church City schools in general, and encourage community youth participation in the school's instrumental music programs; c) To stimulate community interest in the Falls Church City Schools Band music programs; and, d) To promote organized and active parent/guardian support for the Falls Church City Schools Band music programs established and conducted by the Band Directors.
2009-2010 Officers

President - Laura Demeter
Vice President - Sheila Frost
Secretary - Laura Brady
Treasurer- Sophie Darling

Band Booster Meetings are held in the GMHS Band Room at 7:00 pm, unless otherwise noted.

Dates: September 28, November 2, February 8, March 15, April 26, June 21 (8am)